Home Blog Page 161

Microsoft to kill Cortana app for both iOS and Android on Jan 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes read

In case you don’t know what is Cortana. Cortana is a virtual personal assistant which helps you to complete your task on your phone. It is similar to Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant. The name Cortana was originated from the game called Halo. If you have played the game you might know who is Cortana. It is an assistant in the form of light which travels with you in the game.

However, a few days ago, Microsoft announces that it will be killing off Cortana app for both iOS and Android. Some of you after reading this might be curious to try on Cortana. Now is the right time to try it before it disappears from the App Store or Google Play Store. Microsoft has officially updated its support article saying that Cortana for iOS and Android will be disappearing in UK, Canada and Australia. Besides these countries, TheVerge has also confirmed that Germany, Mexico, China, Spain, Canada, and India is part of the countries which will be seeing the disappearance of the Cortana app.

Cortana is not dead yet

Actually, Microsoft didn’t really mean to kill Cortana completely. Eventually, Cortana will still continue under the Microsoft umbrella. According to Microsoft, it will integrate Cortana into the Microsoft 365 productivity apps. This means, once Microsoft announces Cortana for Microsoft 365 productivity apps, you can imagine how people are going to use it widely.

Back in December 2015, Microsoft launches Cortana for iOS and Android. Originally it was designed to connect Windows 10 PCs and mobile phones. However, due to other digital assistants such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant, Microsoft fails to compete with them. That’s when the CEO itself, Satya Nadella says Cortana is not a competitor to other digital assistants.

In a nutshell, January 31st will be the last day of Cortana for iOS and Android devices. After that, Microsoft will fully integrate Cortana under the Microsoft 365 productivity apps.

Vivo is ready to unveil Vivo S1 Pro in Malaysia

0
Reading Time: 3 minutes read

Vivo S1 has been totally been a successful smartphone in the market for Vivo. Now, Vivo Malaysia is getting ready to unveil Vivo S1 Pro. Obviously the Pro model is going to have higher specs than the current Vivo S1.

Usually, Vivo unveils a smartphone in the China market first before launching it in Malaysia. However, this time things are slightly different than expected. Vivo has recently unveiled its new S series smartphone, Vivo S5. As we said previously, this is has a weird diamond shape camera bump. We are sure Vivo has its own reason for positioning the camera bump in that way. At the same time, Vivo Malaysia announces it will be launching the same Vivo S5 in Malaysia just with a different name which is Vivo S1 Pro.

On the specs section, Vivo S1 Pro features a 6.34″ Super AMOLED Full HD+ display. The Vivo S1 Pro has a dew-drop display with a tiny notch at the top. This is where it houses the 32MP selfie camera. Besides that, it has the in-display fingerprint scanner. Since this is going to be a mid-range device, Vivo did not include the Corning Gorilla Glass for the screen protection.

Coming to the back of the Vivo S1 Pro is where you can see the quad-camera setup. It has a camera bump which is rotated 45-degrees which looks like a diamond shape. The main camera it features is a48MP lens, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP macro shooter and a 5MP bokeh camera.

Powering the Vivo S1 Pro is the Snapdragon 665 processor with a 4,500mAh battery which supports Vivo’s Dual Engine fast charging via USB-C. The upcoming Vivo S1 Pro comes with an 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. If you want to expand the storage, you can expand it via the microSD card which supports up to 128GB. For more information on the specs, click the button below.

Vivo S1 Pro passes Malaysia SIRIM approval

The most recent update we have from Vivo Malaysia is, the upcoming Vivo S1 Pro has already passed the SIRIM certification. This means the device is ready to be launch in Malaysia. The device is approved under the model vivo 1920. Vivo Malaysia will be launching the device somewhere around December 2019.

According to Vivo Malaysia, this is the upgraded version of the previous Vivo S1 which was launched back in July 2019. You still can purchase the Vivo S1 from here. We will update you once Vivo Malaysia launches Vivo S1 Pro in Malaysia soon. Don’t forget to subscribe to our page for more tech updates.

Girls are falling for the new vanilla mint colour of Oppo A9 2020

0
Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Apart from Space Purple and Marine Green, Oppo introduces a new colour option for the Oppo A9 2020. Girls are going to love the new Vanilla Mint colour option. Oppo A9 2020 is already available for sale to purchase.

However, the new colour option will be available for pre-order starting from 21 November 2019 to 27 November 2019. If you pre-order within this period, you will be entitled to receive a free Baskin-Robbins voucher from Oppo. Apart from that, Oppo Malaysia is also giving away 1-year of screen warranty which is worth RM99. For the Baskin-Robbins gift voucher, you can use it to redeem the junior scoop ice cream of Chocolate Mint flavour.

To recap, Oppo A9 2020 features a 48MP quad-camera setup. For the storage wise, it comes with only one option which is 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Under the hood, Oppo A9 2020 is powered by the Snapdragon 665 processor. Keeping the lights on all-day is the huge 5,000mAh battery which charges via USB-C.

So girls, do you like to take selfies? Then, probably you going to love this new colour option. Besides that, Oppo A9 2020 also features 48MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, 2MP portrait lens and a 2MP mono lens. To enjoy taking selfies you can use the 16MP selfie shooter.

In conclusion, there is no changes in the price. The price of the device still remains RM1,199. If you are looking for an affordable smartphone, then you should consider the Oppo A9 2020. You can even purchase it from if you opt for other colour options.

Vivo Malaysia to unveil Vivo S5 in Malaysia soon

0
Reading Time: < 1 minute read

Vivo Malaysia has teased on its Facebook page of the upcoming S series will be launched in Malaysia soon with its impactful slogan “Stronger, Sharper, Swagger”.

Following the launch of Vivo S5 in China yesterday, it features a diamond-shaped camera module at the back that houses a quad-camera setup. With Vivo constantly bringing innovative devices in Malaysia, does that mean we can be expecting Vivo S5 in Malaysia soon?

It is believed Vivo’s latest product will be launched this coming December 2019.

For more information, head over to Vivo Facebook page or official website.

GrabMart: Grab’s on-demand grocery, pilot begins Nov 18

Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Grab is being the most used e-hailing service in Malaysia. Each time, Grab is working round the clock to improve its user experience. Starting from an e-hailing service, now Grab delivers your food to your doorstep and it even allows you to pay your bills. Grab is making its app as the 1-stop solution for all the services you need. As part of its continuous effort, Grab is piloting a new service called GrabMart.

What is GrabMart?

The name itself says that it is more like a shopping tool. In a nutshell, GrabMart is Grab’s on-demand everyday goods delivery service. Grab is rolling this service to starting on 18th of November 2019. You can use the GrabMart service to purchase your daily necessary items such as fruits, health & beauty products, stationery and other items too. Next time, you don’t have to walk out from your doorsteps to purchase your grocery items. Grab is there for you.

As a pilot program, Grab has partnered with some of the big chains such as Guardian, Caring, MyNews, MBH, MPH, BIG Pharmacy, Kiara Supermarket and Utama Florist. We can assume that moving forward Grab could be partnering with more SME’s after the pilot program ends. At this moment, Grab is focusing on the areas below. If you are from these areas, then probably you can try the new GrabMart. For small or medium-sized business, this could be an opportunity to grow their income opportunities.

  • Damansara Uptown and Bandar Utama
  • TTDI 
  • Kota Damansara and Mutiara Damansara
  • Mont Kiara and Hartamas

How to use GrabMart?

Similar to the GrabExperess service, you can pay seamlessly via your GrabPay. On top of that, you can enjoy earning GrabRewards points for each of your purchase made. To use the GrabMart, all you need to do is open the Grab app and then tap on the Food icon. Then look for the new GrabMart icon. Click on it and then you start making your grocery purchases. Here is the visual step.

Do note that Grab will be charing its delivery fee starting from RM5 to RM9 depends on the travel distance. Once ordering your items, you can track it from the Grab app itself. In order to use this new service, update your Grab app from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Samsung Africa accidentally reveals Galaxy Fold 2 support page

Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Samsung unveils the world’s first foldable device, Galaxy Fold on February this year. Before the Galaxy Fold goes for sale, Samsung had to recall it back for a major redesign on the display. Then, Samsung reintroduces the Galaxy Fold officially back on September with an improved design of the display and the hinge.

A few weeks ago, Samsung unveils its new foldable concept smartphone design at the Samsung Developer Conference 2019. From the video, it is clearly shows that Samsung could be prepping itself for the next clamshell device similar to the latest Motorola RAZR. However, last week Friday, Samsung Africa has accidentally updated its support page for an unannounced device.

Why similar model numbers for the Galaxy Fold 2?

According to the SamMobile, the next Galaxy Fold 2 will be having a similar model number to the current Galaxy Fold. If you notice on the support page, the model number is stated as SM-5700F. Whereas, the current Galaxy Fold model number is SM-F900F. This could possibly be the model of the upcoming Galaxy Fold 2.

This is not the first time, Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 information has been leaked. Previously, there was a rumour saying that Galaxy Fold 2 is codenamed, Bloom and it will be having a new design. That got our attention during the Samsung Developer Conference 2019. You can watch the video below to know how the next clamshell device is going to look.

In conclusion, Samsung will be launching the Galaxy Fold 2 during the launch of the Galaxy S11 launch event. However, can we expect Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 to be an affordable foldable smartphone? We have to wait for further information from the South Korea tech giant itself. For more information subscribe to our page for all the latest information to your email address. Do not worry, we will not spam your email. You will be receiving our updates on a weekly basis only. Don’t forget to join our TechmonQuay Facebook group.

In Case You Missed It

Facebook secretly record through your iPhone camera

Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Facebook is the most used social network in the world. Being one of the most valuable companies in the world, security is its major concern. If Facebook has any single bug then probably this going to affect its reputation. Most recently, one of the Facebook iOS app users has discovered a bug.

If you watch the video below, you know how dangerous is this bug. It seems the camera app opens in the background while you are browsing your newsfeed. Besides browsing your newsfeed, this bug can be seen when you rotate the orientation of the video in your Facebook iOS app. This includes while you are viewing a photo on the Facebook app.

The user who spotted this issue was able to reproduce this issue on five different iPhones. Usually, if the issue only occurs in one iPhone we can conclude it as an issue with the iPhone. However, in this case, it’s totally different. Another user also faced the issue while he was watching videos on Facebook Watch.

Immediately, the tech giant company has replies to the iOS bug on its app. Facebook has told to TheVerge that it has pushed its latest update to the Facebook iOS app on the 8th of November. Facebook also has mentioned that, until the bug is fixed there isn’t any evidence that neither photos nor videos are being uploaded to Facebook.

Immediately, Facebook has worked round the clock to fix this issue. Now, Facebook has rolled out the new version of Facebook for iOS. In this update, it has fixed the bug and now the update is available in the App Store. If your Facebook version is 247, then probably, the bug should be fixed by now.

Why Motorola RAZR is the best foldable smartphone

Reading Time: 3 minutes read

A few months ago, we received a leaked photo which shows the Motorola RAZR in a box. Seems like it has been true. The golden era of the flip phone has been revived once again by Motorola by introducing the most iconic Motorola RAZR. Once again the Motorola RAZR has a similar clamshell form factor which exists on the early 2000’s Motorola RAZR.

Most of the changes have been done in the hardware segment of the device. First of all, the RAZR features a 6.2-inch foldable pOLED with a resolution of 2142 x 876. pOLED stands for the plastic flexible display. Motorola is calling it as the Flex View display. The reason is when you flip it open the phone, you will get a cinematic aspect ratio of 21:9.

Motorola RAZR has the smallest display when it folds

When you fold the sleek clamshell phone, you will get an additional 2.7″ gOLED display with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. Well, the ‘g’ stands for glass-covered OLED display. Motorola is calling it as Quick View display. With this display, you can view your recent notifications. Besides viewing notifications, you can even take selfies or control music using the Quick View display. Surprisingly, this is the smallest foldable display you could ever see. Once its folded, the Motorola RAZR looks very small and cute. Unexpectedly, Motorola RAZR has a fingerprint sensor on the front side of the RAZR. Previously, from the leaked images, we thought it was a button to flip open the phone. Now, we got to know it is the fingerprint sensor.

The main reason we are saying Motorola RAZR is the best foldable smartphone is because of the foldable technology used. We are sure by now you might have known that Motorola RAZR isn’t the first foldable smartphone. Samsung and Huawei have unveiled its own foldable smartphone too. But Motorola has done it differently. If you notice the video below, you will know how the RAZR folds and unfolds. When the device is folded its folds completely flat without a tiny gap in between. However, in Samsung Galaxy Fold, the gap is very obvious and it looks somewhat ugly.

At the camera department, Motorola RAZR features a dual camera. At the front of the Quick View panel, it has a 16MP f/1.7 dual-pixel auto-focus camera. Whereas, when you flip the phone open, there is a 5MP f/2.0 selfie camera. You can use the 16MP camera to take selfie shots too when the phone is folded.

Under the hood, the all-new RAZR runs on the Snapdragon 710 processor which is mated with the 6GB RAM and a 128GB internal storage. The device is being powered by a small 2,510mAh battery which supports 15W TurboPower charging via the USB-C. We are not sure yet, how long the battery can last in a day using the small battery. However, Motorola claims that the new RAZR can last for a whole day. For the first time, Motorola has not included a sim tray for a smartphone. All you need to do is subscribe to the eSIM from your telco provider.

Pricing and Availability

Overall, the Motorola RAZR is not the best smartphone when it comes to the feature-wise. But as a foldable smartphone, this is the best smartphone for the foldable technology used in it. For the pricing wise, Motorola is pricing the device at USD1,499 (RM6,226). Even though it is cheaper than the RM8,000 Samsung Galaxy Fold still we consider this as expensive for a smartphone.

Besides that, the device will be only available to Verizon in the United States. If you are leaving in the United States, then you can start to pre-order the device starting on the 26th of December next month. At the moment, there isn’t any official confirmation regarding the global launch to the rest of the world.

India and Indonesia to be one of the first countries to receive this new WhatsApp feature

Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Do you own any kind of small business? Owning a small business usually, it is hard to reach to your customers. Unless if you have your own website then probably there are chances for you to grow your business. But, to start a website you need to have a lot of technical knowledge.

Don’t worry, now you can use WhatsApp to develop your business to the next level. Recently, the Facebook-owned company has rolled out a new feature for small business owners. WhatsApp introduces Catalogs for Small Business on its platform. With this feature, a small business owner can utilize this feature to reach to their customers easily.

Using this feature, you can display your products as in catalog inside WhatsApp Business app. Next time, you don’t have to send multiple photos to your customer. All you need to do is add your products in the catalog and your customer should be able to click the product to view it. You can add information such as product pricing, descriptions and product code.

WhatsApp is currently rolling out this feature to users who are in India, Indonesia, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, the U.K and the US. WhatsApp Business app is available in both iOS and Android devices. We believe using this feature small business owners can grow their business easily. At the moment, WhatsApp really announces whether this feature will be available in Malaysia. The only thing WhatsApp says for now is this feature will be rolled out to the rest of the world “soon”. How soon we have to wait for it to find out.

Google will terminate your YouTube channel if you are not earning

Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Have you started earning from YouTube? If you are not, YouTube has the rights to terminate your YouTube channel account. Waking up and in the morning and opening the YouTube website there were a new Terms of Service which we need to review.

According to YouTube, this new Terms of Service will be starting to take effect on the 10th of December 2019. There are many terms which didn’t get YouTube creators attention except for one. Especially, new YouTubers surely be shocked after reading the new Terms of Service.

“YouTube may terminate your access, or your Google account’s access to all or part of the service if YouTube believes, in its sole discretion, that provision of the service to you is no longer commercially viable.”

This means YouTube has all the rights to terminate your YouTube channel if it feels that your channel is not earning well. Apart from that, from the YouTube new Terms of Service also has stated that:

“Content is the responsibility of the person or entity that provides it to the Service. YouTube is under no obligation to host or serve Content. If you see any Content you believe does not comply with this Agreement, including by violating the Community Guidelines or the law, you can report it to us.”

If YouTube finds that your content is violating its policies, surely it will remove the video from YouTube. According to TheVerge, this issue is because of a clash between one of its Vox Media writer Carlos Maza and a YouTuber named Steven Crowder. After this clash only, YouTube has made it enforce its policies. As a rules violation, YouTube has demonetised Steven Crowder offending videos on its platform.

In a nutshell, if you are new to the world of YouTube content creation make sure you start earning after achieving the requirements. And most importantly, stop posting offending videos as now YouTube has all the rights to decide whether the video can exist in the platform.

In Case You Missed It